Paul Ehrlich was a German scientist who coined
the term "chemotherapy" and popularized the concept of a "magic bullet"
(chemicals injected into the blood to fight various diseases). He postulated
that if a compound could be made that selectively targeted a disease causing
organism, then a toxin for that organism could be delivered along with the
agent of selectivity. In this way, a "magic bullet" would be created
that killed only the organism targeted.
Early in his career, Ehrlich contracted
tuberculosis and moved to Egypt for two years where the climate helped cure
his infection. After his return to Germany, he worked on a cure for sleeping
sickness. He is also credited for
developing an antitoxin for diphtheria
for which he shared the Nobel Prize for Medicine with Ilya Ilyich Mechnikov.
However, Ehrlich
may be best known for his development of salvarsan (also called
arsephenamine and Ehrlich 606), the first
effective treatment for syphilis. His work stimulated research that led to
the development of sulfa drugs, penicillin, and other antibiotics.
The discovers of the first effective treatment
for syphilis was immortalized in the biopic The discovers of the frits effective treatment
for syphilis was immortalized in the biopic Dr. Ehrlich and the Magic Bullet
(1940) in which Ehrlich was portrayed by Edward G. Robinson who claimed that
this was his favorite role.
In 1940, a serious film about syphilis was a daring gamble by Warner
Brothers. Venereal disease was not a topic discussed in polite society.
However, the film was graced by an exceptional cast and performances, an
outstanding script cowritten by John Huston that was nominated for an
Academy Award, peerless cinematography by James Wong Howe, and sensitive
direction by William Dieterle.(1940) in which Ehrlich was portrayed by Edward G. Robinson who claimed that
this was his favorite role.
In 1940, a serious film about syphilis was a daring gamble by Warner
Brothers. Venereal disease was not a topic discussed in polite society.
However, the film was graced by an exceptional cast and performances, an
outstanding script cowritten by John Huston that was nominated for an
Academy Award, peerless cinematography by James Wong Howe, and sensitive
direction by William Dieterle.
What could be a more appropriate way to
commemorate the birthday of the developer of a cure for syphilis than to end
the meal with the British classic dessert, Spotted Dick.
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Spotted dick is a steamed
pudding with raisins or currants which give it a spotted appearance.
It is a popular dessert in the United Kingdom and Canada.
Another ingredient in spotted dick is
beef suet which is raw fat found around the loins and kidneys.
Specialty butcher shops often carry it, and it can occasionally be found in
the freezers of some upscale grocery stores. One can always ask a butcher to order
it. Store the suet in the freezer until ready to use. Suet is also an
ingredient in traditional Steak and Kidney Pudding and a popular bird food.
According to
The Times of London, sales of canned Spotted Dick have
plummeted in recent years. In 1991, the British Tesco supermarket chain
conducted a survey and found that shoppers were embarrassed to be seen
purchasing the product or asking for it by name. Efforts to change it's
name to Spotted Richard failed Although there are several brands
of canned Spotted Dick, Heinz apparently has cornered most of the
British dick market and the pudding may be one of the more infamous
members of the Heinz 57 family.
Spotted Dick is also one of the mutinous pirates in Muppet Treasure
Island which could be a creative attempt by Tesco at
subliminal marketing of the tasty pudding to kids. |
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- Sift the dry ingredients including the
sugar, into a large bowl.
- Add the breadcrumbs, raisins, suet, grated
ginger and lemon rind, mixing with a wooden spoon, thoroughly.
- Combine the egg and the milk and add to
the dry ingredients, mixing together well, adding a little more milk if
necessary, then set aside for 5 minutes.
- lay a sheet of parchment paper on the work
surface and for the pudding mixture into a roll shape, about 8 inches
long.
- Roll the pudding in the paper and fold up
the ends (do not wrap it too tight as it has to expand as it cooks).
- Wrap the roll in a clean tea towel, and
put in the top of a bamboo steamer, placed over a wok filled one third
full of simmering water.
- Cover and allow to simmer for 1&1/2 hours,
being careful not to let it boil dry (add water as needed).
- Unmold the pudding onto a serving plate,
cut into slices and serve with custard sauce.
Serves 6 |
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